All About Books

In the brief period of hope after the Civil War and Reconstruction, Edward McCabe, a Black businessman and rising political star had an audacious dream. His plan was to create a state governed by and for Black people in Oklahoma. This mostly forgotten history is found in the biography, “Black Moses” by Caleb Gayle.

Jill Blaine’s job is to comfort the dying and usher them into the afterlife- something she’s done hundreds of times since her own death. “Vigil” by George Saunders is a playfully imaginative novel dealing with corporate greed along and absolution

An accomplished actress meets a handsome young man at a restaurant who shares his suspicion that she may be his mother. The acclaimed novel “Audition” by Katie Kitamura explores the roles people play every day.

The family came from Afghanistan as refugees with nothing. They worked hard to become prosperous when a horrible tragedy struck them. “Good People”, a novel by Patmeena Sabit, presents a wealthy, happy family that may have been different behind closed doors.

Artie Dam teaches high school history, makes pleasant small talk with the neighbors, and sails his boat on the weekend. But the Artie no one sees is plagued by despair and isolation. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout’s latest novel “The Things We Do Not Say” is a compassionate look at the human condition.